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12/17 09:00
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Constitutional Court Verdict: Thailand's Constitutional Court is deliberating on the fate of suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who faces potential removal from office due to her handling of a border dispute with Cambodia. The court began delivering its ruling after a lengthy deliberation period.
Background of the Case: Paetongtarn, daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was suspended after a leaked phone call with Cambodian leader Hun Sen, where she referred to a Thai military commander as her "opponent." This sparked outrage among conservative lawmakers and military factions in Thailand.
Political Turmoil: If the court decides to oust Paetongtarn, Thailand could enter a political crisis, lacking a clear successor to lead the fragile ruling coalition. The current political landscape is marked by a longstanding conflict between the pro-military elite and the Shinawatra family.
Historical Context: Paetongtarn is the sixth prime minister from the Shinawatra political movement to face judgment by the Constitutional Court, with only her father, Thaksin, having previously survived such scrutiny. The reasons for ousting past leaders have varied, including vote-buying and other controversies.
Coalition Dynamics: Paetongtarn leads a coalition that includes smaller conservative parties, many of which have historically opposed her party, Pheu Thai. The coalition's stability is precarious, and her ousting could lead to political paralysis.
Eligibility for Successor: Under the Thai constitution, only candidates nominated in the last general election can be considered for the prime minister role. Out of the nine candidates proposed, several are ineligible or lack support, complicating the succession process.
Election Uncertainty: While a new election might seem necessary, it remains unclear whether the acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has the authority to call for elections, as this typically requires approval from a parliament-approved prime minister.
